Key Facts
• In July 2025, six individuals were arrested for suspected election law violations.
• Over 250 people were allegedly promised rewards in exchange for votes.
• The suspects include the 50-year-old head of a pachinko chain, Changbeom Lee.
• Rewards ranged from $20 to $27, disguised as overtime pay.
• The group allegedly conspired to support candidate Yasuhisa Abe in the proportional representation race.
• Evidence included photos of ballots with Abe’s name as proof of voting.
• Abe received over 88,000 votes but failed to secure a seat.
• Authorities believe this case involves the largest number of arrests in a national election since 1989.
• Investigations revealed instructions were given via web meetings to mobilize store managers and employees.
• The case is being handled by a joint task force led by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police.
Summary
Six individuals, including the head of a pachinko chain, were arrested for allegedly violating election laws during Japan’s July 2025 Upper House election. They are accused of promising rewards to over 250 people in exchange for votes for proportional representation candidate Yasuhisa Abe. Rewards, disguised as overtime pay, ranged from $20 to $27. Evidence included photos of ballots as proof of voting. Despite receiving over 88,000 votes, Abe did not win a seat. Authorities believe this case marks the largest number of arrests in a national election since 1989. Investigations revealed a coordinated effort involving web meetings to mobilize store managers and employees. The case highlights significant election law violations and is under investigation by a joint task force.
